Keywords
Vitality of The Profession, Health Professions Education
Abstract
Gender-based comfort in patient-provider relationships is a vital aspect of athletic training care. As the profession continues to evolve—particularly with a growing number of women athletic trainers (ATs) and progression of athletic training curriculum—it is essential to understand how gender dynamics influence the comfort of collegiate athletes when receiving care. This cross-sectional survey study examined how athlete comfort varies when treated by same- versus opposite-gender ATs in general patient care and in pathology-based scenarios. Ninety-six collegiate student-athletes (62.5% female) with the mean age of 20.26 (SD 1.7) years from NCAA and NAIA institutions completed the Gender Comfort with Athletic Trainer Questionnaire (GCAT). The GCAT measured comfort when being treated for multiple conditions using a 5-point Likert scale and general attitudes and preferences related to AT gender. Mann-Whitney U tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and t-tests were performed for analysis. Results indicate gender related discomfort exists for specific clusters of injuries. Significance was noted in the following clusters: sensitive gender non-specific conditions (women P < .00, men P < .00), female sex specific conditions (P < .00) and male sex specific conditions (P < .00). Results also showed that women student-athletes reported significantly higher comfort levels with same-gender ATs in scenarios involving psychological (P = .007), upper and lower body (P = .02, P = .02, respectively), and gender-sensitive conditions (P < .00). Across all participants, discomfort was most often attributed to gender-related reasons. Overall, this reveals that student-athletes who are women prefer women ATs when being treated for sensitive conditions. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender congruence in athletic training clinical settings, particularly when treating sensitive conditions. As ATs aim to provide patient-centered care, understanding and addressing gender-based comfort can strengthen rapport, increase treatment adherence, and improve athlete outcomes. Clinical education programs and institutions should consider strategies to promote awareness of these dynamics and support inclusive, individualized care practices.
Recommended Citation
Dickie, Samantha; Tang, Yashu; Nelson, Sydney; and Madrak, Emily
(2026)
"Comfort Level of Collegiate Student-Athletes in Opposite and Same-Gender Patient/Provider Relationships in Athletic Training,"
Clinical Practice in Athletic Training: Vol. 9:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/clinat/vol9/iss1/4
Included in
Biology Commons, Body Regions Commons, Diagnosis Commons, Exercise Physiology Commons, Exercise Science Commons, Health and Physical Education Commons, Investigative Techniques Commons, Kinesiotherapy Commons, Medical Physiology Commons, Movement and Mind-Body Therapies Commons, Musculoskeletal, Neural, and Ocular Physiology Commons, Musculoskeletal System Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Other Kinesiology Commons, Other Physiology Commons, Other Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons, Physical Therapy Commons, Physiological Processes Commons, Physiotherapy Commons, Recreational Therapy Commons, Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons, Sports Sciences Commons, Therapeutics Commons, Tissues Commons